Black-browed Albatross - Sula Sgeir 9th May 2007

For the third year running a Black-browed Albatross has returned to Sula Sgeir. A small uninhabited island forty miles north of the butt of lewis in the hebrides. Getting to Sula Sgeir is no easy task as I found out in 2006. Fortunately, three trips were planned by Rare Bird Alert in 2007 so I jumped at the chance for an opportunity to see this rare bird. I was at Ullapool on 8th May waiting to board at 9pm. Two birders I spoke to earlier were clearly on a buzz after having seen the bird and a great supporting cast of Pomarine Skuas, Long-tailed Skua and White-tailed Eagle etc.
In the early hours of 9th June 2007 our ship rolled up steadily of Sula Sgeir. As we got closer several sea birds could be made out. Plenty of Gannets were flying round with numbers of Guillemots, Puffins and Great Skuas were on the sea surrounding the island. Viewing the island for the albatross was tricky as the rising sun was behind the island and creating an increasing backlight. Viewing consisted of a rocking view as the boat rolled over the waves. One minute you would be looking at the water and the next up in the sky. After over an hour of searching without success, Martin Scott located the bird nearby flying over the sea. We were fortunate enough to be able to navigate the boat between the island and some rocks to get views of the bird sat on the water where it had landed. A fantastic sight and the atmosphere on the boat was electric. Eventually the bird took flight and headed towards the island where it circled with gannets. It did not return to the ledge so we carried on to North Rona a larger island nearby. On the way a Long-tailed Skua was seen adding to the buzz of the trip. Scanning North Rona we could see a couple of Whooper Swans. The trip back produced several Poms, Merlin, a couple of Razorbills, Black Guillemots and some summer plumage Great Northern Divers.

The alberts favourite perch can be seen in the picture below. From the west side of the island looking east, follow the top of the island until you get to two cairns. Look below the tallest one to the first group of gannets beneath and you should be able to see the bird.